Maps (Message, Audience, Purpose)
A MAP is the list of main points which you will discuss in the body of the essay. Each MAP item, which you choose based on your message, audience, and purpose, will become a paragraph topic. Even if you do not state the MAP in the thesis, you must have a MAP in mind before you write the essay. It is a good idea to state the MAP at the end of the introduction. As you saw from the previous examples of essay introductions, MAPs can be stated as part of the thesis in many ways. Instead of the colon (:), you can say such as, and you can also make another sentence with the MAP. Here are variations of the MAPs you saw earlier.
Examples of Thesis Statements with Maps
• However, there are several problems with forcing children to comply. Forcing children to comply can cause a breakdown in communication between the children and the parents, rebellion, and failure in school.
• An essay has three major characteristics: convincing content, clear organization, and effective use of language.
MAP Points
• are relevant;
• are distinctively different (do not overlap);
• belong together (are well-matched, at the same level of generality);
• are parallel;
• are thought-provoking;
• are logical and appropriate choices focusing on major and representative ideas;
• are optional (but highly recommended).
Ex. 2. Analyzing introductions.
• Analyze the following introductions.
• On a separate sheet of paper, list the hook, thesis, purpose, method, and MAP for each.
Example
Inventions That Have Revolutionized Our Lives
Compared to 100 years ago, the world of today is becoming so much closer than ever that people can easily attain whatever they want. As Alvin Toffler says in his book, "The Third Wave," modern society is characterized as an information society, in which people's lives are dramatically and unimaginably changed, in fact, to the better. Satellites and computers are good examples of inventions leading to an information society.
Hook: Quote by an expert.
Thesis: Satellites and computers are good examples of inventions leading us to be an information society.
Purpose: To show the reader how satellites and computers are inventions which give us information and, as a result, greatly benefit society.
Method: Development by example.
MAP: Satellites and computers1.
The House of Life
How many decisions do people make in their lives? There could be thousands of decisions in one person's life. However, only a few of them will have a great influence. A metaphor of building a house shows how the five most significant decisions are related to one another and reflect on people's lives. The five most important decisions concern education, career, marriage, residence, and religion. (Adapted with permission, Lunging Hsieh, Taiwanese)
Good Students
University study is challenging. Some students succeed and some do not. What makes some students more successful at academic study than others? It depends a lot on the attitude of the student. Sandy Calhoun, a master's candidate at the University Of Missouri School Of Journalism, is an example of what professors call a good student. Sandy has a positive attitude about succeeding in an academic setting. He cares about learning, puts in time on his studies, and is interested in the world around him. (Adapted with permission, Varna Wilson, Thai)
Introduction (continuation)
The body
Essay Outline Framework
The body comprises the information in the essay. The body will be two or more paragraphs long, depending on the number of MAP points you have. The following sample of an outline framework shows that there is a correlation between the MAP and the topic sentences in the body paragraphs. The body paragraphs are discussed in the order the points are listed in the MAP Moreover, roman numerals (I, II, III) are used to signify each paragraph in the essay. The capital letters A, B, C, and so on show subtopics in each paragraph. Each subtopic should be introduced with clear signals. The numbers 1, 2, 3, and so on indicate more specific support.
I. Introduction
• Hook
• Thesis Statement: X, Y, and Z (Map)
II. Topic Sentence 1 (First Map Point, X)
A. Subtopic Sentence 1:
1. Support.
2. Support.
3. Support.
B. Subtopic Sentence 2:
1. Support.
a. Specific Support.
b. Specific Support.
2. Support.
III. Topic Sentence 2 (Second Map Point, Y):
A. Subtopic Sentence 1 (Support).
B. Subtopic Sentence 2.
(Support)
| (Each subtopic sentence should be supported with at least two examples or with one good extended example.) |
IV. Topic Sentence 3 (Third Map Point, Z):
A. Subtopic Sentence 1 (Support).
B. Subtopic Sentence 2 (Support).
V. Conclusion:
• Restatement of the Thesis.
• Summary of the Map Points.
• Closing Remarks (Final Comments).